Turning passion into career success: how a graduate co-op and networking opened doors

Q: What is your background?

A: During my undergraduate studies in business administration, I majored in finance and had internships focused on budgeting and forecasting. These experiences gave me hands-on exposure to financial processes and sparked my curiosity about investments and portfolio management.

While still in school, an unexpected opportunity led me into the world of fashion modeling. For about two years, I worked in the fashion industry, modeling and participating in pageants, including representing India in an international competition held in Egypt. Although this was a completely different path, it helped me develop valuable skills like confidence, discipline, and adaptability—qualities that continue to shape my professional growth. 

Through these diverse experiences, my interest in finance remained. Through my undergraduate coursework, I became increasingly fascinated by the complexities of investments and financial decision-making. This growing interest led me to pursue a Master's in Quantitative Finance, allowing me to build on my undergraduate foundation and specialize in areas like portfolio management and investment strategies. 

Q: What brought you to D'Amore-McKim when looking for graduate programs?

A: I chose D'Amore-McKim's MS in Quantitative Finance program because it aligns perfectly with my passion for finance. The curriculum's focus on portfolio management, investment analysis, and specialized electives like mergers and acquisitions immediately stood out to me. Additionally, the program's emphasis on developing technical skills in tools like Python and MATLAB was crucial, as these tools are essential for analyzing large datasets and building complex financial models in the rapidly changing finance industry. 

Another key factor was D'Amore-McKim's strong alumni network. Its size and reputation provided me with invaluable connections and credibility, which are especially important as I pursue U.S. work experience. Being part of this respected community gives me access to a diverse range of professionals and a unique advantage in my career. 

Q: How did you gain experience in investment analysis? 

A: I gained experience in investment analysis by joining the 360 Huntington Fund, Northeastern's student-led mutual fund, with no prior experience. I started as an equity analyst, focusing on DCF models and equity research. In my second semester, I was promoted to Chief Compliance Officer, where I helped the fund adhere to regulations and internal policies. A key highlight was our early investment in Nvidia, which significantly benefited the fund as the stock surged. Leading a team of analysts also allowed me to develop leadership and decision-making skills. 

Overall, my time at the 360 Huntington Fund was a period of significant growth, and I'm especially proud of how I leveraged the skills I gained there during my co-op with Ferragamo. The analytical and strategic thinking I developed while working on equity analysis and compliance directly translated to my ability to make more informed decisions in the luxury fashion industry. 

Q: Tell us about your graduate co-op at Ferragamo.

A: Through extensive networking, I secured my graduate co-op at Ferragamo via LinkedIn. Given my background in fashion, the role was a perfect fit and landing it among 3,000 applicants felt like a dream.

Returning to the fashion industry in a finance role was an exciting and fulfilling experience for me. As a financial analyst intern at Ferragamo in New York, I improved their financial reporting processes. I developed a 10-indicator dashboard to track key metrics like sales, expenses, and profitability. This dashboard quickly became an essential tool in senior management meetings, allowing for quick comparisons between targets and prior-year data. 

I collaborated closely with the CFO to analyze operating and capital expenditures for over 60 locations, covering departments like Merchandising, Marketing, Sales, Product Development, and Supply Chain. One of my most significant projects involved creating a discounted cash flow (DCF) model to evaluate potential store investments. To complete this project, I applied the investment analysis skills I developed at the 360 Huntington Fund. 

Additionally, I created a financial one-pagers, summarizing key performance metrics, which became a standard document in Ferragamo's weekly reporting cycle. This role allowed me to blend my passion for finance with my love for the fashion industry, making it a truly rewarding experience. This role not only strengthened my technical skills but also reinforced my belief in the importance of following one's passions and finding unique ways to combine them. 

Q: How did you find your full-time role at 1stDibs, and what is your position?

A: The Graduate Career Center at D'Amore-McKim was instrumental in my success. My advisor helped refine my resumé, and the career development program guided me on networking, LinkedIn optimization, and interview prep, giving me the tools to stand out in my highly competitive job search.

I found my full-time role as a Strategic Finance Analyst at 1stDibs through networking, a skill I honed at D'Amore-McKim. Engaging with professionals and learning about their career paths helped me recognize that strategic finance was the right fit for me, as it blends financial analysis with business strategy. During the interview process, I set myself apart by presenting a process improvement proposal to the CFO, which ultimately helped me secure the role. 

Q: What advice would you share with future students? 

A: Don't rely solely on cold applications for graduate co-op or post-grad positions—standing out and making connections is crucial. Take advantage of the Career Development Center as they provide invaluable guidance. I​​ received great advice on how to improve my resume, network with people, and put myself out there effectively.  

Networking is also key, especially in finance. The field is broad, and it's okay not to know exactly what you want to do. Talking to people in areas like consulting, investment banking, and venture capital helps you understand the work and decide what suits you best. You'll spend a lot of your life at work, so it's important to enjoy what you do.